The name Jerelyn is a relatively modern invention, first appearing in the early 20th century. It is believed to be a combination of the names Jeremiah and Lyn, or potentially a variation of the name Geraldine. The name Jeremiah has Hebrew origins, derived from the biblical name Yirmeyahu, meaning "Yahweh has uplifted" or "exalted by Yahweh." Lyn is a diminutive form of the name Linda, which has its roots in the Spanish and Portuguese name Lindo, meaning "pretty."

There are no known historical references or appearances of the name Jerelyn in ancient texts or religious scriptures. The earliest recorded instances of the name are from the early 1900s, primarily in the United States and Canada. One of the first notable individuals with the name was Jerelyn Eddings Bushfield (1913-1997), an American author and journalist.

Another early bearer of the name was Jerelyn Watkins Kruger (1912-2005), an American educator and author. She wrote several books on home economics and domestic science. Jerelyn Frakes (1939-2019) was an American actress known for her roles in television shows like Star Trek and The Dukes of Hazzard.

In more recent times, Jerelyn Craden (born 1952) is an American voice actress who has provided voices for numerous anime series and video games. Jerelyn Romero (born 1976) is a Puerto Rican singer and songwriter who has released several albums in the genres of Latin pop and reggaeton.

While the name Jerelyn has gained some popularity over the past century, it remains a relatively uncommon name compared to more traditional names. Its unique blend of elements from different name origins has contributed to its distinctiveness.